A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Norfolk for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or Norfolk?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ocean City or Norfolk? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ocean City and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Norfolk?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ocean City than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ocean City is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Norfolk is more popular for its museums and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Also, Ocean City is famous for the Ocean City boardwalk. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Ocean City different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Norfolk and Ocean City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Norfolk?

Norfolk is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Norfolk. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Is the Food Better in Ocean City or Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Norfolk both to be notable destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ocean City area. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Norfolk. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Ocean City or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Ocean City know how to have a good time. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Ocean City or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a great destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Ocean City is considered a top beach destination. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Norfolk?

Norfolk is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Norfolk to go shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Norfolk Better for Families?

Ocean City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Ocean City is a very family-friendly destination. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Ocean City or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Ocean City is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Ocean City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Ocean City or Norfolk Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Ocean City and Norfolk offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Norfolk is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

For even more information, also check out Is Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Norfolk. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ocean City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ocean City than Norfolk. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ocean City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Norfolk than Ocean City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Norfolk.

One day in Ocean City or Norfolk?

In Ocean City, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the maritime city of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Norfolk?

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Norfolk?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Norfolk, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Norfolk is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ocean City Expensive? and Is Norfolk Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Norfolk, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Ocean City or Norfolk?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ocean City or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Norfolk. The summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Norfolk. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene.

In October, Ocean City is generally cooler than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Norfolk. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. Ocean City is much colder than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Ocean City is cooler than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Norfolk averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in April than Norfolk. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Ocean City